I've decided if my insurance won't cover me I'm going to self pay. I don't think I'll meet the co-morbidity requirements. But who knows. I'll try that route first and have package submitted to insurance after final tests Thursday. If it is rejected though I don't want to spend months trying to get it approved. I really want to have this done and soon. It's a relief to know it's only a matter of time now.

I am pretty much on the same boat. My bmi is < 35 so insurance probably will not cover me for surgery. Do you know if insurance would pay for the specialist visits?

Hi Fabu, I'm not sure which specialist visits but I think if you have to self pay it's all inclusive up to first fill. I read fills after that aren't always covered by insurance even if the cover surgery. Fills look to run about $100 plus. I'm still hoping insurance will pay. I have the coverage but may have tough time meeting criteria. I've heard at insurance company it often comes down to opinion of person reviewing the information. I'm praying it reaches a compassionate soul.

My surgeon is requiring me to get clearance from pulmonologist, cardiologist, and psych eval. I also have to meet with a nutritionist. I am wondering if insurance (mine is Aetna) will pay for these visits.

I have Aetna too! You can check with them, but dr office should also help you with working out with insurance. It seems they covered all those tests for me without need for a pre- certification.

Alicia and Fabu I wish you two luck. I want to have the surgery but afraid the insurance company is going to deny me. I have high blood pressure and I have Lupus but my BMI is 39. I have tried, I've been wanting this surgery for years not but afraid of the disappointment I will get from the insurance company. I am not in a situation where I could self-pay. Again best of luck for you two.

I was self pay after I found out my insurance (CIGNA) does not cover any bariatric surgery. I don't regret it one bit. Best decision I ever made! Good luck to you!

Than you Toodie and kayzoog, I had final test the EGD last Thursday. I have stomach and throat inflammation Dr said the band would fix. I don't think it helps with meeting insurance criteria though. Its good to hear people say it was worthwhile to pay. I've spent so much time energy and money trying to help my adult boys who have squandered those opportunities I'm ready to start on a track to help myself for once! I'm going to find out this week if it's worth submitting to insurance. If not I'm going to pay and get it booked. . Can't wait